Pressure Lock Retention Fastener

ABSTRACT

In implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener, the fastener assembly includes an insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in a first panel. The fastener assembly has a threaded collet sized to slide in the insert and has expandable flanges that extend below the insert. The expandable flanges are sized for insertion into an aligned hole in a second panel. The fastener assembly also includes a screw installable through the insert to engage the threaded collet. The screw exerts a force that pushes the expandable flanges outward as screw rotation drives the screw into the threaded collet, and ridge locks of the expandable flanges seat up against the second panel effective to fasten the panels together. In implementations, a plate is installable between the panels with slotted holes having anti-rotation tabs that prevent a fastener assembly from spinning in the panel holes.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/656,909 filed Apr. 12, 2018 entitled “Pressure LockRetention Fastener”, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fastening devices are generally designed to fasten together at least twoitems or structures, such as to attach a panel to a support structure,or to attach two components of any type of device, structure, or systemtogether. For fasteners that are designed to be inserted through a hole,such as through pre-drilled holes in two panel structures that are beingfastened together, access to both sides of the panels is needed toinsert a first part of the fastener from one side of the panels and toattach a second part of the fastener from the other side of the panels(or from the other side of one panel). However, there are manysituations in manufacturing, construction, and assembly where both sidesof two items being fastened together are not accessible for the types offasteners needed for the application.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces features and concepts of a pressure lockretention fastener, which is further described below in the DetailedDescription and shown in the Figures. This Summary should not beconsidered to describe essential features of the claimed subject matter,nor used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Aspects of a pressure lock retention fastener are described. Thefastener assembly includes an insert sized for insertion into a fastenerhole in a first panel. The fastener assembly has a threaded collet sizedto slide in the insert and has expandable flanges that extend below theinsert. The expandable flanges are sized for insertion into an alignedhole in a second panel. The fastener assembly also includes a screwinstallable through the insert to engage internal threads of thethreaded collet. The screw exerts a force and pushes the expandableflanges outward as screw rotation drives the screw into the threadedcollet. Ridge locks of the expandable flanges seat up against the secondpanel effective to fasten the panels together. In implementations, aplate is installable between the panels with slotted holes havinganti-rotation tabs that prevent the fastener assembly from spinning inthe panel holes.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener, a fastener systemincludes a pressure lock retention fastener to fasten panels together.The pressure lock retention fastener has an insert sized for insertioninto a fastener hole in a first panel. The fastener also includes athreaded collet sized to slide in the insert, and the threaded collethas expandable flanges that extend below the insert, where theexpandable flanges are sized for insertion into an aligned hole in asecond panel. The fastener also includes a screw that is installablethrough the insert to engage internal threads of the threaded collet.The screw exerts a force that pushes the expandable flanges outward asscrew rotation drives the screw into the threaded collet, and ridgelocks of the expandable flanges seat up against the second paneleffective to fasten the first and second panels together. The fastenersystem also includes a plate that is installable between the first andsecond panels, and the plate includes a slotted hole with anti-rotationtabs that engage slots between the expandable flanges of the threadedcollet. The anti-rotation tabs of the slotted hole are effective toprevent the pressure lock retention fastener from spinning in thefastener hole of the first panel and in the aligned hole in the secondpanel.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener, a fastener assemblymethod includes engaging screw threads of a screw by a threaded colletthat slides within an inner void space of an insert, where the screw isinstallable through the inner void space of the insert and into thethreaded collet. The insert is sized for insertion into a fastener holein a first panel. The fastener assembly method includes pushingexpandable flanges of the threaded collet outward by the screw as screwrotation drives the screw into the threaded collet. The expandableflanges extend below the insert and are sized for insertion through analigned hole in a second panel. The fastener assembly method furtherincludes seating ridge locks of the expandable flanges up against anexterior surface of the second panel effective to fasten the first andsecond panels together. The ridge locks are positioned against theexterior surface of the second panel by pushing the expandable flangesoutward and the threaded collet being drawn up within the insert by thescrew rotation.

In other implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener, thefastener assembly includes a receptacle and a screw inserted through afirst end of the receptacle. The assembly also includes a pressure lockdesigned to engage the screw at a second end of the receptacle, wherethe pressure lock has flanges that each exert a pressure against aninterior surface of the receptacle effective to hold the pressure lockand the screw in the receptacle. The assembly is installable intopre-drilled holes through first and second panels to be fastenedtogether. The pressure lock can be unseated from the interior surface ofthe receptacle effective to extend a portion of the pressure lockthrough the pre-drilled hole of the second panel. A torque can then beapplied to seat the pressure lock up against the second panel effectiveto fasten the first and second panels together.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener as an assembly, thereceptacle is not threaded, allowing insertion of the screw through thecenter of the receptacle to engage the pressure lock. The pressure lockthen holds the screw in the receptacle such that the pressure lockretention fastener is a ready-to-use assembly. In implementations, theflanges of the pressure lock engage a first detent in the second end ofthe receptacle and exert the pressure against the interior surface ofthe first detent in the receptacle. Similarly, the flanges of thepressure lock include indented extensions that engage a second detent inthe second end of the receptacle and exert the pressure against theinterior surface of the second detent in the receptacle.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener being utilized tofasten together two panel structures, the receptacle of the ready-to-useassembly is sized for insertion into the pre-drilled hole through afirst panel. The screw can be pushed into the receptacle to unseat thepressure lock from the interior surface of the receptacle, which extendsa portion of the pressure lock through the pre-drilled hole of a secondpanel. The screw can then be rotated to torque the pressure lock upagainst the second panel. In implementations, the flanges of thepressure lock each include a detent surface that contacts an exteriorsurface of the second panel around the pre-drilled hole with thepressure lock torqued up against the second panel. The flanges of thepressure lock also include indented extensions that exert pressureagainst an interior surface of the pre-drilled hole in the second paneleffective to hold the pressure lock in place against the second panel.The indented extensions of the flanges can also hold the pressure lockin place against the second panel when the screw is removed from thereceptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of pressure lock retention fastener are described withreference to the following Figures. The same numbers may be usedthroughout to reference similar features and components that are shownin the Figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with aspects and features of the describedfastener assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates detail views of the pressure lock retention fastenerin accordance with aspects and features of the described fastenerassembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with aspects and features of the describedfastener assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with aspects and features of the describedfastener assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates detail views of the pressure lock retention fastenerin accordance with aspects and features of the described fastenerassembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sequence of the example pressure lock retentionfastener as would be utilized to fasten together two panel structures inaccordance with techniques for using the fastener assembly.

FIG. 9 further illustrates features of the example pressure lockretention fastener utilized to fasten together the two panel structuresin accordance with the techniques for using the fastener assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lockretention fastener in accordance with aspects and features of thedescribed fastener assembly.

FIG. 11 further illustrates features of the example pressure lockretention fastener utilized to fasten together the two panel structuresin accordance with the techniques for using the fastener assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example method of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example method of a pressure lock retentionfastener in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener are described, andprovide a reusable top down blind fastening system that is not onlyreusable, but can be used in a vertical fashion to fasten or adhere twocomponents together, such as two panels and/or structures, and isdeployable top to bottom from one side of the two components.Specifically, in aircraft assembly, the described pressure lockretention fastener is designed to fasten honeycomb panels to underlyingstructural members, and in particular, without a flange or othercomponent of the fastener requiring installation from the bottom orunderside of the panel and structural member. Notably, the pressure lockretention fastener is reusable and designed for applications thatrequire handling higher loads than a rivet system. The pressure lockretention fastener is truly a top-down installable, secure mechanismthat is pressure loaded and designed to torque itself, and may be usedin any in manufacturing, construction, and assembly application.

Further, the pressure lock retention fastener is designed to be utilizedwith a variety of materials from high performance plastics, such ascarbon fiber, as well as with aluminum, stainless steel, and any varietyof materials for different solutions and applications. Inimplementations, the pressure lock retention fastener can utilize BACSscrews and incorporate materials that include PEEK engineeredthermoplastic (chemically referred to as polyetheretherketone), Ultemresin, and 17-4 high strength stainless steel, taking into account thespecific loads for a project in question. The described pressure lockretention fastener is a fully-customizable solution for each applicationand situation. For example, the diameter of the screw and othercomponents can be customized for any application, such as for a heaviersheer requirement and/or panel thickness. Likewise, for a thickerstructural panel, or even for thinner panels, the pressure lockretention fastener is customizable as-needed, to include enveloperequirements (e.g., the physical space within which one has to work forassembly and installation). Notably, the described pressure lockretention fastener can be used for joining light compression materialswith dense compression materials, with no adverse effects to thesubstrates of either piece.

Generally, the pressure lock retention fastener is designed to fasten,attach, or adhere a panel to a structure, a support structure, a rail,and the like. The pressure lock retention fastener can be installedvertical, horizontal, upside down, etc. It is a very versatile fastenermechanism, and for example, a great solution for vertical panels held upover a person's head, where the person can hold the panel up into placeand insert fasteners that can be deployed rapidly with an installationgun. Notably, installation of the described pressure lock retentionfastener can be automated with a robot and can also be installed in avertical, horizontal, or upside down position. This is applicable inevery industry, including automotive, aerospace, construction,manufacturing, etc.

While features and concepts of a pressure lock retention fastener can beimplemented in any number of different devices, systems, environments,and/or configurations, implementations of a pressure lock retentionfastener are described in the context of the following example devices,systems, and methods.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener 100 in accordance with aspects and features of the fastenerassembly. The pressure lock retention fastener 100 can be pre-assembledand shipped for use as a ready-to-use assembly that includes a screw 102and an insert 104, as well as a threaded collet 106 with expandableflanges 108 that are designed to expand outward as a smooth pin end 110of the screw is driven down, forcing the expandable flanges 108 toexpand outward. Generally, each of the expandable flanges 108 expandsoutward (relative to each other) along a horizontal plane 112 that isperpendicular to a vertical plane 114 through a center of the fastenerassembly. An internal distance between the expandable flanges 108increases as the flanges are expanded outward as the screw is rotateddown into the threaded collet.

As described in detail below, the insert 104 is formed with an extendededge 116 that is designed to seat flush or recessed into a fastener holein a first panel that is attached to a second panel, and the insert 104is sized for insertion into the fastener hole in the first panel.Generally, the insert 104 a has an inner void space down through theinsert, as well as a catch ridge 118 that extends inward into the innervoid space of the insert. The threaded collet 106 has an outer diametersized to slide into the inner void space of the insert 104, and thethreaded collet 106 is held in place by the catch ridge 118 in theinsert. The threaded collet 106 includes the expandable flanges 108 thatextend below the insert 104, and the expandable flanges 108 are sizedfor insertion into an aligned hole in the second panel. Inimplementations, the first panel includes pre-drilled or pre-stampedfastener holes and the second panel also includes pre-drilled orpre-stamped holes that are aligned with the fastener holes in the firstpanel.

The screw 102 is installable through the inner void space of the insert104 and into the threaded collet 106. Notably, the screw 102 is designedwith a threaded end 120 that engages (e.g., screws into) the internalthreads 122 of the threaded collet 106. The screw 102 is designed withthe smooth pin end 110 that is beveled and slides against the expandableflanges 108, exerting a force that pushes the expandable flanges 108outward as screw rotation drives the screw down into the threaded collet106, engaging the internal threads 122 of the threaded collet 106.

In this example, the expandable flanges 108, which are also referred toin industry as “tangs” of the threaded collet 106, are spaced atmultiple positions extending from the threaded collet, and are designedto expand outward in a deployed state of the fastener assembly. Althoughthe threaded collet 106 is generally shown and described herein ashaving four expandable flanges 108, the fastener assembly may beimplemented with two, three, or more expandable flanges to accommodatethe various requirements for different fastening applications. In thisillustrated example, the fastener assembly is shown in a non-deployed,ready for installation state, with the screw 102 being held in placepartially screwed into the internal threads 122 of the threaded collet106, and the screw-collet assembly is held in place in the insert 104.The threaded collet 106 and the insert 104 are seated together and readyfor installation in the ready-to-use assembly state of the fastenerassembly, as shown in FIG. 1.

In implementations of the fastener assembly, the screw 102 isinstallable through a top end 124 of the insert 104, through the innervoid space of the insert and into the threaded collet 106. As notedabove, the screw 102 is designed with the beveled surface 126 (of thesmooth pin end 110 of the screw), and the beveled surface 126 slidesagainst the inner surfaces 128 of the expandable flanges 108. Thisexerts an outward force that pushes the expandable flanges 108 outwardas the screw rotation drives the screw 102 down into the threaded collet106, engaging the internal threads 122 of the threaded collet in theinsert 104. As the screw 102 is driven down (in reference direction130), this also draws the threaded collet 106 up (in reference direction132) within the insert 104. As shown at 134, the insert 104 of thefastener assembly also includes internal tabs 136 that engage and slidein the slots between the expandable flanges 108 of the threaded collet106. The internal tabs 136 are generally engaged in the respective slotsthat exist between the expandable flanges 108 effective to prevent theinsert 104 and the threaded collet 106 from spinning or turningindependently of each other, such as when the screw 102 is torqued downinto the threaded collet.

As further shown and described below with reference to FIG. 2, thefastener assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener 100 isinstallable into pre-drilled holes through first and second panels to befastened together. The expandable flanges 108 of the threaded collet 106can be extended through a pre-drilled, fastener hole in a first paneland on through an aligned, corresponding pre-drilled hole in a secondpanel. Optionally, and as further shown and described with reference toFIG. 2, a plate may be utilized in between the first and second panelsthat are to be fastened together. Generally, the plate includes slottedholes that align with the pre-drilled holes in the first and secondpanels. The slotted holes in the plate are designed with anti-rotationtabs that also engage and slide into the slots between the expandableflanges 108 of the threaded collet 106 as the fastener assembly isinserted through the pre-drilled holes in the panels and through aslotted hole in the plate that is installed between the two panels.

The anti-rotation tabs of the slotted holes in the plate engage therespective slots that exist between the expandable flanges 108 effectiveto prevent the fastener assembly from spinning in the fastener hole ofthe first panel and in the aligned hole in the second panel, such aswhen the screw 102 is torqued down. Although generally shown anddescribed as a plate in FIG. 2, the anti-rotation feature may beimplemented as a strip (e.g., metal, or other composite) with multipleslotted holes aligned down the strip, or as individual stamped washersor other inserts configured to counter the rotation effect when thescrew 102 is torqued down.

As the screw rotation then drives the screw 102 down (in referencedirection 130), and the threaded collet 106 is drawn up (in referencedirection 132) within the insert 104, ridge locks 138 of the expandableflanges 108 are seated up against the exterior surface of the secondpanel effective to fasten the first and second panels together.Optionally, as noted above, a plate with slotted holes designed foranti-rotation of the fastener assembly may also be fastened between thefirst and second panels. The ridge locks 138 of the expandable flanges108 are a type of pressure lock on the exterior surface of the secondpanel that is activated by the applied torque to the screw 102 as thescrew engages the internal threads 122 of the threaded collet 106 in theinsert 104. The screw 102 is rotatable to torque the ridge locks 138 ofthe expandable flanges 108 up to seat against the exterior surface ofthe second panel as the threaded collet 106 is drawn up within theinsert 104 by the screw rotation.

Notably, the threaded collet 106 is not an expanding nut, but rather, isstraight and concentric with the internal threads 122 that smoothlyengage screw threads of the threaded end 120 of the screw 102. The screwthreads and the internal threads 122 of the threaded collet 106 areconcentric, and the screw threads can engage the internal threads of thethreaded collet 106 without binding the screw threads in the threadedcollet. Generally, the parallel design of the threaded collet 106 andthe screw 102 of the fastener assembly reduces or eliminates tensionbetween the threads of both so that they don't bind. As can occur withconventional fastener systems, the screw threads may bind and peel in animplementation that uses an expanding nut with binding pressure, whichcan lead to degradation of the thread screws and/or degradation of thecollet threads in the form of metal shavings that may then interferewith and/or damage surrounding components.

A particular feature of the pressure lock retention fastener 100 is theconfiguration shape of the lower ends (e.g., that insert into thepre-drilled holes in the panels) of the expandable flanges 108 of thethreaded collet 106. As noted above, the lower ends of the expandableflanges 108 have the inner surface 128 on which the beveled surface 126of the smooth pin end 110 of the screw 102 slides against, exerting theoutward force that pushes the expandable flanges 108 outward as screwrotation drives the screw 102 down into the threaded collet 106. Thelower ends of the expandable flanges 108 also include the ridge locks138 that seat up against the exterior surface of the second paneleffective to fasten the first and second panels together. The outersurface of the lower end of each expandable flange 108 also includes apreventative false lock surface 140, shown as the straight portion belowthe ridge lock 138, that leads into a lower, beveled portion 142 of theexpandable flange. The lower, beveled portion 142 of the expandableflanges 108 facilitates ease of installation of the fastener assemblyinto and through the pre-drilled holes in the panels that are to befastened together with the fastener assemblies.

In this implementation, the preventative false lock surface 140 of thelower ends of the expandable flanges 108 is flat on a parallel planerelative to the center of the fastener assembly, and is curved relativeto the circumference shape of the threaded collet 106. The preventativefalse lock surfaces 140 of the lower ends of the expandable flanges 108(e.g., the straight, flat portion below the ridge lock 138 and above thelower, beveled portion 142) is designed to prevent the ridge lock 138from engaging into a void space between the first and second panels.This prevents or eliminates false positive lock engagements, notablypreventing an indication that a fastener is installed and seatedcorrectly when-in-fact it has falsely engaged between the two panels,rather than being seated up against the outer, lower exterior of thesecond panel. As can occur with conventional fastener systems that havea sloping flange without some type of a guide or preventative feature toprevent false positive lock engagements, the lock mechanism of aconventional fastener system may catch in the detent or void spacebetween the first and second panels that are being fastened together,and the misalignment results in the panels not being fastened together.

As also shown in this example assembly of the pressure lock retentionfastener 100, the insert 104 may be designed with an air release vent144 to vent air pressure, such as when air pressure builds up below thepanels that are fastened together with the fasteners, and the airpressure can be vented to an open space above the panels. In othersimilar designs, such as shown at 134, the insert 104 may include one ormore air release vents 146 notched in the top of the insert, in additionor as an alternative to the air release vent 144 shown notched in theside of the insert. In implementations, the one or more air releasevents 146 that are notched in the top of the insert 104 may also bedesigned as screw driver slots that are usable with a flat bladescrewdriver to hold and prevent rotation of the insert 104.

The pressure lock retention fastener 100 has the aspects of retentionvia pressure for deployment of the fastener assembly, which can bedeployed as a fastener assembly unit in a robotic or automated processfor a true top-down fastener solution. In implementations, multiplepressure lock retention fasteners can be used to build floor panels,such as in an aircraft, with a robot that has an automated belt feedsystem, where the robot can grasp a ready-to-use assembly of a pressurelock retention fastener 100 in a tool. The robot can grasp the insert104 of the assembly, use an automatic gluing mechanism to spin the wholefastener around once and apply glue to it, such as on the external,outer diameter of the insert. The robot can then insert the fastenerassembly into a prepared, pre-drilled hole in a floor panel with astructural beam underneath the floor panel, and optionally through themetal plate or strips with the slotted anti-rotation holes secured inbetween the floor panel and the structural beam or track. The floorpanel and the structural beam or track are pre-drilled or pre-stampedwith holes that are aligned and ready to have an assembly of thepressure lock retention fastener 100 installed, and the fastenerassembly can be inserted into the pre-drilled holes and seated with theprescribed amount of glue applied to the insert 104 of the fastener.Notably, the glue feature is optional, but can be used to provide extrastrength and customizability for sheer loads and various customerrequirements in different fastening applications.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional features 200 of the example pressure lockretention fastener 100 that can be utilized to fasten together two panelstructures in accordance with the techniques for using the fastener. Asshown at 202, the fastener assembly can be inserted into the pre-drilledor pre-stamped fastener hole 204 in a first panel 206, with the insert104 being of a diameter for insertion into the fastener hole 204 throughthe first panel. The second panel 208 also has a pre-drilled orpre-stamped hole 210 that aligns with the fastener hole 204 in the firstpanel 206, and the aligned hole 210 in the second panel 208 accommodatesthe expandable flanges 108 of the fastener assembly. The insert 104 issized and designed for insertion into the fastener hole 204 through thefirst panel 206, and the extended edge 116 of the insert 104 sets flushwith the top of the first panel or recessed into the fastener hole.

In implementations, a plate 212 may be utilized in between the firstpanel 206 and the second panel 208 that are fastened together. As shownin the detail at 214, the plate 212 includes slotted holes 216 thatalign with the pre-drilled or pre-stamped holes in the first panel 206and the second panel 208. The slotted holes 216 in the plate 212 aredesigned with anti-rotation tabs 218 that engage the slots between theexpandable flanges 108 of the threaded collet 106 as the fastenerassembly is inserted through the pre-drilled or pre-stamped panel holes.The anti-rotation tabs 218 of the slotted holes 216 in the plate 212engage the respective slots between the expandable flanges 108 effectiveto prevent the fastener assembly from spinning in the fastener hole ofthe first panel and in the aligned hole in the second panel, such aswhen the screw 102 is torqued down. Although generally shown anddescribed as a plate in FIG. 2, the anti-rotation feature may beimplemented as a strip (e.g., metal, or other composite) with multipleslotted holes aligned down the strip, or as individual stamped washersor other inserts configured to counter the rotation effect when thescrew 102 is torqued down.

As described above and shown in this example, the first panel 206 may bea floor panel, or any other type of panel or structure. Notably, thefloor panels of most modern aircraft are a honeycomb and aluminumcomposite, as shown in the example illustration. The second panel 208 isa base piece, such as a floor structure or rail, to which the top floorpanel is attached. The plate 212 may be implemented as a bondedaluminum, stamped sheet metal plate under the honeycomb panel 206. Ingeneral terms, the pressure lock retention fastener 100 is designed toattach or fasten a panel to a structure, a support structure, anotherpanel, a rail, and the like. The pressure lock retention fastener 100can be installed vertical, horizontal, upside down, etc. It is a veryversatile fastener assembly, and can likely be used in every industry,including automotive, aerospace, construction, manufacturing, etc.

In an assembly sequence, a screwdriver tip can be used to rotate thescrew 102, as may be automated by use of a robot, and the top of thescrew 102 will set down approximately flush with the top of the insert104, or recessed, as shown at 220. The screw 102 has the beveled surface126 of the smooth pin end 110 of the screw, and the beveled surface 126slides against the inner surfaces 128 of the expandable flanges 108.This exerts the outward force that pushes the expandable flanges 108outward as the screw rotation drives the screw 102 down, engaging theinternal threads 122 of the threaded collet 106 in the insert 104. Asthe screw 102 is driven down, this screw rotation also draws thethreaded collet 106 vertically up within the inside of the insert 104,and the ridge locks 138 of the expandable flanges 108 are seated upagainst the exterior surface of the second panel 208, as shown at 222,effective to fasten the first and second panels together.

Even though the top of the screw 102 is recessed into or flush with theinsert 104 at the top of the first panel 206, it continues to pull theexpandable flanges 108 up from the bottom and tightens the ridge locks138 against the structure of the lower, second panel 208. The ridgelocks 138 of the expandable flanges 108 each contact the exteriorsurface of the second panel 208 around the aligned hole 210 with thethreaded collet 106 torqued up within the insert 104, and the fastenerassembly will remain held in the fastened position. This is also shownin the detail at 224 from a perspective view under the panels 206, 208that are fastened together with the plate 212 installed between them.The ridge lock 138 of the expandable flanges 108 is a type of pressurelock on the underside exterior surface of the second panel 208 that isactivated by the applied torque to the screw 102 as the screw engagesthe internal threads 122 of the threaded collet 106 in the insert 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example method 300 for a pressure lock retentionfastener as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Theorder in which the method is described is not intended to be construedas a limitation, and any number or combination of the method operationscan be combined in any order to implement a method, or an alternatemethod.

At 302, screw threads of a screw are engaged by a threaded collet thatslides within an inner void space of an insert, the screw beinginstallable through the inner void space of the insert and into thethreaded collet, the insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole ina first panel. For example, the screw threads of the threaded end 120 ofthe screw 102 are engaged by the threaded collet 106 that slides withinthe inner void space of the insert 104. The screw 102 is installablethrough the inner void space of the insert 104 and into the threadedcollet, and the insert 104 is sized for insertion into a fastener hole204 in the first panel 206. Notably, the screw threads and the threadedcollet 106 are concentric, and the screw threads engage the internalthreads 122 of the threaded collet without binding the screw threads inthe threaded collet.

At 304, expandable flanges of the threaded collet are pushed outward bya smooth pin end of the screw as screw rotation drives the screw intothe threaded collet, the expandable flanges extending below the insertand sized for insertion through an aligned hole in a second panel. Forexample, the expandable flanges 108 of the threaded collet 106 arepushed outward by the smooth pin end 110 of the screw 102 as screwrotation drives the screw into the threaded collet. The expandableflanges 108 extend below the insert 104 and are sized for insertionthrough the aligned hole 210 in the second panel 208.

At 306, the insert and the threaded collet are prevented from spinningindependently of each other by internal tabs on the insert that engageslots between the expandable flanges of the threaded collet. Forexample, the insert 104 and the threaded collet 106 are prevented fromspinning independently of each other by the internal tabs 136 on theinsert 104 that engage the slots between the expandable flanges 108 ofthe threaded collet.

At 308, the pressure lock retention fastener is prevented from spinningin the panel holes by a slotted hole in a plate that is installablebetween the first and second panels, the slotted hole includinganti-rotation tabs that engage the slots between the expandable flangesof the threaded collet. For example, the pressure lock retentionfastener 100 is prevented from spinning in the panel holes (e.g., thefastener hole 204 in the first panel 206 and the aligned hole 210 in thesecond panel 208) by the slotted hole 216 in the plate 212 that isinstallable between the first and second panels. The slotted holeincludes the anti-rotation tabs 218 that engage the slots between theexpandable flanges 108 of the threaded collet 106.

At 310, ridge locks of the expandable flanges are seated up against anexterior surface of the second panel effective to fasten the first andsecond panels together, the ridge locks being positioned against theexterior surface of the second panel by pushing the expandable flangesoutward and the threaded collet being drawn up within the insert by thescrew rotation. For example, the ridge locks 138 of the expandableflanges 108 are seated up against the exterior surface of the secondpanel 208 effective to fasten the first and second panels together. Theridge locks 138 are positioned against the exterior surface of thesecond panel by the force pushing the expandable flanges 108 outward andthe threaded collet 106 being drawn up within the insert 104 by thescrew rotation.

At 312, false positive lock engagements of the ridge locks are preventedby preventative false lock surfaces of the expandable flanges, thepreventative false lock surfaces extending below the ridge lockseffective to prevent a ridge lock from engaging into a void spacebetween the first and second panels. For example, false positive lockengagements of the ridge locks 138 are prevented by the preventativefalse lock surfaces 140 of the expandable flanges 108, where thepreventative false lock surfaces 140 extend below the ridge locks 138effective to prevent a ridge lock from engaging into a void spacebetween the first and second panels.

At 314, air pressure is vented by one or more air release vents in theinsert that vent the air pressure below the first and second panels thatare fastened together. For example, the insert 104 can include the airrelease vent 144 to vent air pressure, such as when air pressure buildsup below the panels that are fastened together with the fasteners, andthe air pressure can be vented to an open space above the panels.Alternatively or in addition, the insert 104 may include one or more ofthe air release vents 146 notched in the top of the insert to vent theair pressure.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener 400 in accordance with aspects and features of the fastenerassembly. The pressure lock retention fastener 400 is similar (but notidentical) to the pressure lock retention fastener 100 as shown anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-3, and has various, different designfeatures. The pressure lock retention fastener 400 can be pre-assembledand shipped for use as a ready-to-use assembly that includes a screw 402and an insert 404, as well as a threaded collet 406 with expandableflanges 408 that are designed to expand outward as the end 410 of thescrew is driven down, forcing the expandable flanges 408 to expandoutward. Generally, each of the expandable flanges 408 expands outward(relative to each other) along a horizontal plane 412 that isperpendicular to a vertical plane 414 through a center of the fastenerassembly. An internal distance between the expandable flanges 408increases as the flanges are expanded outward as the screw is rotateddown into the threaded collet.

As described in detail below, the insert 404 is formed with an extendededge 416 that is designed to seat flush or recessed into a fastener holein a first panel that is attached to a second panel, and the insert 404is sized for insertion into the fastener hole in the first panel.Generally, the insert 404 a has an inner void space down through theinsert, and the threaded collet 406 has an outer diameter sized to slideinto the inner void space of the insert 404. The threaded collet 406includes the expandable flanges 408 that extend below the insert 404,and the expandable flanges 408 are sized for insertion into an alignedhole in the second panel. In implementations, the first panel includespre-drilled or pre-stamped fastener holes and the second panel alsoincludes pre-drilled or pre-stamped holes that are aligned with thefastener holes in the first panel.

The screw 402 is installable through the inner void space of the insert404 and into the threaded collet 406. The screw 402 has screw threadsthat engage (e.g., screw into) the internal threads 418 of the threadedcollet 406. The screw 402 is designed with the end 410 that is beveledand slides against the expandable flanges 408, exerting a force thatpushes the expandable flanges 408 outward as screw rotation drives thescrew down into the threaded collet 406, engaging the internal threads418 of the threaded collet 406.

In this example, the expandable flanges 408, which are also referred toin industry as “tangs” of the threaded collet 406, are spaced atmultiple positions extending from the threaded collet, and are designedto expand outward in a deployed state of the fastener assembly. Althoughthe threaded collet 406 is generally shown and described herein ashaving four expandable flanges 408, the fastener assembly may beimplemented with two, three, or more expandable flanges to accommodatethe various requirements for different fastening applications. In thisillustrated example, the fastener assembly is shown in a non-deployed,ready for installation state, with the screw 402 being held in placepartially screwed into the internal threads 418 of the threaded collet406, and the screw-collet assembly is held in place in the insert 404.The insert 404 and the threaded collet 406 with the screw 102 are readyfor installation in the ready-to-use assembly state of the fastenerassembly, as shown in FIG. 4.

In implementations of the fastener assembly, the screw 402 isinstallable through a top end 420 of the insert 404, through the innervoid space of the insert and into the threaded collet 406. As notedabove, the screw 402 is positioned to slide against the inner surfaces422 of the expandable flanges 408. This exerts an outward force thatpushes the expandable flanges 408 outward as the screw rotation drivesthe screw 402 down into the threaded collet 406, engaging the internalthreads 418 of the threaded collet in the insert 404. As the screw 402is driven down (in reference direction 424), this also draws thethreaded collet 406 up (in reference direction 426) within the insert404.

As shown and described above with reference to FIG. 2, the fastenerassembly of the pressure lock retention fastener 400 is installable intopre-drilled holes through first and second panels to be fastenedtogether. The expandable flanges 408 of the threaded collet 406 can beextended through the pre-drilled, fastener hole 204 in the first panel206 and on through an aligned, corresponding pre-drilled hole 210 in thesecond panel 208. Optionally, and as further shown and described withreference to FIG. 2, the plate 212 may be utilized in between the firstand second panels that are to be fastened together. Generally, the plate212 includes the slotted holes 216 that align with the pre-drilled holesin the first and second panels. The slotted holes 216 in the plate aredesigned with the anti-rotation tabs 218 that engage and slide into theslots between the expandable flanges 408 of the threaded collet 406 asthe fastener assembly is inserted through the pre-drilled holes in thepanels and through a slotted hole 216 in the plate 212 that is installedbetween the two panels.

The anti-rotation tabs 218 of the slotted holes 216 in the plate 212engage the respective slots that exist between the expandable flanges408 effective to prevent the fastener assembly from spinning in thefastener hole 204 of the first panel 206 and in the aligned hole 210 inthe second panel 208, such as when the screw 402 is torqued down.Although generally shown and described as the plate in FIG. 2, theanti-rotation feature may be implemented as a strip (e.g., metal, orother composite) with multiple slotted holes aligned down the strip, oras individual stamped washers or other inserts configured to counter therotation effect when the screw 402 is torqued down.

As the screw rotation then drives the screw 402 down (in referencedirection 424), and the threaded collet 406 is drawn up (in referencedirection 426) within the insert 404, ridge locks 428 of the expandableflanges 408 are seated up against the exterior surface of the secondpanel 208 effective to fasten the first and second panels together.Optionally, as noted above, the plate 212 with the slotted holes 216designed for anti-rotation of the fastener assembly may also be fastenedbetween the first and second panels. The ridge locks 428 of theexpandable flanges 408 are a type of pressure lock on the exteriorsurface of the second panel 208 that is activated by the applied torqueto the screw 402 as the screw engages the internal threads 418 of thethreaded collet 406 in the insert 404. The screw 402 is rotatable totorque the ridge locks 428 of the expandable flanges 408 up to seatagainst the exterior surface of the second panel 208 as the threadedcollet 406 is drawn up within the insert 404 by the screw rotation.

Notably, the threaded collet 406 is not an expanding nut, but rather, isstraight and concentric with the internal threads 418 that smoothlyengage the screw threads of the screw 402. The screw threads and theinternal threads 418 of the threaded collet 406 are concentric, and thescrew threads can engage the internal threads of the threaded collet 406without binding the screw threads in the threaded collet. Generally, theparallel design of the threaded collet 406 and the screw 402 of thefastener assembly reduces or eliminates tension between the threads ofboth so that they don't bind. As can occur with conventional fastenersystems, the screw threads may bind and peel in an implementation thatuses an expanding nut with binding pressure, which can lead todegradation of the thread screws and/or degradation of the colletthreads in the form of metal shavings that may then interfere withand/or damage surrounding components.

A particular feature of the pressure lock retention fastener 400 is theconfiguration shape of the lower ends (e.g., that insert into thepre-drilled holes in the panels) of the expandable flanges 408 of thethreaded collet 406. As noted above, the lower ends of the expandableflanges 408 have the inner surface 422 on which the beveled end 410 ofthe screw 402 slides against, exerting the outward force that pushes theexpandable flanges 408 outward as screw rotation drives the screw 402down into the threaded collet 406. The lower ends of the expandableflanges 408 also include the ridge locks 428 that seat up against theexterior surface of the second panel effective to fasten the first andsecond panels together. The outer surface of the lower end of eachexpandable flange 408 also includes a preventative false lock surface430, shown as the straight portion below the ridge lock 428, that leadsinto a lower, beveled portion 432 of the expandable flange. The lower,beveled portion 432 of the expandable flanges 408 facilitates ease ofinstallation of the fastener assembly into and through the pre-drilledholes in the panels that are to be fastened together with the fastenerassemblies.

In this implementation, the preventative false lock surface 430 of thelower ends of the expandable flanges 408 is flat on a parallel planerelative to the center of the fastener assembly, and is curved relativeto the circumference shape of the threaded collet 406. The preventativefalse lock surfaces 430 of the lower ends of the expandable flanges 408(e.g., the straight, flat portion below the ridge lock 428 and above thelower, beveled portion 432) is designed to prevent the ridge lock 428from engaging into a void space between the first and second panels.This prevents or eliminates false positive lock engagements, notablypreventing an indication that a fastener is installed and seatedcorrectly when-in-fact it has falsely engaged between the two panels,rather than being seated up against the outer, lower exterior of thesecond panel. As can occur with conventional fastener systems that havea sloping flange without some type of a guide or preventative feature toprevent false positive lock engagements, the lock mechanism of aconventional fastener system may catch in the detent or void spacebetween the first and second panels that are being fastened together,and the misalignment results in the panels not being fastened together.

As also shown in this example assembly of the pressure lock retentionfastener 400, the insert 404 may be designed with an air release vent434 to vent air pressure, such as when air pressure builds up below thepanels that are fastened together with the fasteners, and the airpressure can be vented to an open space above the panels. The pressurelock retention fastener 400 has the aspects of retention via pressurefor deployment of the fastener assembly, which can be deployed as afastener assembly unit in a robotic or automated process for a truetop-down fastener solution. In implementations, multiple pressure lockretention fasteners can be used to build floor panels, such as in anaircraft, with a robot that has an automated belt feed system, where therobot can grasp a ready-to-use assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener 400 in a tool. The robot can grasp the insert 404 of theassembly, use an automatic gluing mechanism to spin the whole fasteneraround once and apply glue to it, such as on the external, outerdiameter of the insert. The robot can then insert the fastener assemblyinto a prepared, pre-drilled hole in a floor panel with a structuralbeam underneath the floor panel, and optionally through the metal plateor strips with the slotted anti-rotation holes secured in between thefloor panel and the structural beam or track. The floor panel and thestructural beam or track are pre-drilled or pre-stamped with holes thatare aligned and ready to have an assembly of the pressure lock retentionfastener 400 installed, and the fastener assembly can be inserted intothe pre-drilled holes and seated with the prescribed amount of glueapplied to the insert 404 of the fastener. Notably, the glue feature isoptional, but can be used to provide extra strength and customizabilityfor sheer loads and various customer requirements in different fasteningapplications.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 for a pressure lock retentionfastener as shown and described with reference to FIG. 4 andinstallation with reference to FIG. 2. The order in which the method isdescribed is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and anynumber or combination of the method operations can be combined in anyorder to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At 502, screw threads of a screw are engaged by a threaded collet thatslides within an inner void space of an insert, the screw beinginstallable through the inner void space of the insert and into thethreaded collet, the insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole ina first panel. For example, the screw threads of the screw 402 areengaged by the threaded collet 406 that slides within the inner voidspace of the insert 404. The screw 402 is installable through the innervoid space of the insert 404 and into the threaded collet, and theinsert 404 is sized for insertion into a fastener hole 204 in the firstpanel 206. Notably, the screw threads and the threaded collet 406 areconcentric, and the screw threads engage the internal threads 418 of thethreaded collet without binding the screw threads in the threadedcollet.

At 504, expandable flanges of the threaded collet are pushed outward bythe screw as screw rotation drives the screw into the threaded collet,the expandable flanges extending below the insert and sized forinsertion through an aligned hole in a second panel. For example, theexpandable flanges 408 of the threaded collet 406 are pushed outward bythe screw 402 as screw rotation drives the screw into the threadedcollet. The expandable flanges 408 extend below the insert 404 and aresized for insertion through the aligned hole 210 in the second panel208.

At 506, the pressure lock retention fastener is prevented from spinningin the panel holes by a slotted hole in a plate that is installablebetween the first and second panels, the slotted hole includinganti-rotation tabs that engage slots between the expandable flanges ofthe threaded collet. For example, the pressure lock retention fastener400 is prevented from spinning in the panel holes (e.g., the fastenerhole 204 in the first panel 206 and the aligned hole 210 in the secondpanel 208) by the slotted hole 216 in the plate 212 that is installablebetween the first and second panels. The slotted hole includes theanti-rotation tabs 218 that engage the slots between the expandableflanges 408 of the threaded collet 406.

At 508, ridge locks of the expandable flanges are seated up against anexterior surface of the second panel effective to fasten the first andsecond panels together, the ridge locks being positioned against theexterior surface of the second panel by pushing the expandable flangesoutward and the threaded collet being drawn up within the insert by thescrew rotation. For example, the ridge locks 428 of the expandableflanges 408 are seated up against the exterior surface of the secondpanel 208 effective to fasten the first and second panels together. Theridge locks 428 are positioned against the exterior surface of thesecond panel by the force pushing the expandable flanges 408 outward andthe threaded collet 406 being drawn up within the insert 404 by thescrew rotation.

At 510, false positive lock engagements of the ridge locks are preventedby preventative false lock surfaces of the expandable flanges, thepreventative false lock surfaces extending below the ridge lockseffective to prevent a ridge lock from engaging into a void spacebetween the first and second panels. For example, false positive lockengagements of the ridge locks 428 are prevented by the preventativefalse lock surfaces 430 of the expandable flanges 408, where thepreventative false lock surfaces 430 extend below the ridge locks 428effective to prevent a ridge lock from engaging into a void spacebetween the first and second panels.

At 512, air pressure is vented by one or more air release vents in theinsert that vent the air pressure below the first and second panels thatare fastened together. For example, the insert 404 can include the airrelease vent 434 to vent air pressure, such as when air pressure buildsup below the panels that are fastened together with the fasteners, andthe air pressure can be vented to an open space above the panels.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lock retentionfastener 600 in accordance with aspects and features of the fastenerassembly. The pressure lock retention fastener 600 can be pre-assembledand shipped for use as a ready-to-use assembly that includes a screw 602and a receptacle 604, as well as a pressure lock 606 (also referred toherein as the “pressure lock nut”) with flanges 608 (also referred toherein as the “pedals”) that are pressure loaded (e.g., spring loaded)and designed to be retained inside of the receptacle in the overallassembly. In this example, the flanges 608 are spaced at four locations(or three, five, six, etc. for any application) around the pressure lock606, and are designed to expand in the non-deployed assembly state ofthe fastener and held in place by being pressure loaded. The pressurelock 606 and the receptacle 604 are seated together and ready forinstallation in the ready-to-use assembly state of the fastenerassembly, as shown in FIG. 6.

In implementations, the assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener600 includes the receptacle 604, and the screw 602 can be insertedthrough a first end 610 of the receptacle 604. The fastener assemblyalso includes the pressure lock 606, which is threaded and designed toengage the screw at a second end 612 of the receptacle 604. The pressurelock 606 has the flanges 608 that each exert a pressure against aninterior surface of the receptacle 604 effective to hold the pressurelock 606 and the screw 602 in the receptacle. As shown and describedwith reference to FIG. 8, the fastener assembly of the pressure lockretention fastener 600 is installable into pre-drilled or pre-stampedholes through first and second panels to be fastened together. Thepressure lock 606 can be unseated from the interior surface of thereceptacle 604 effective to extend a portion of the pressure lockthrough the pre-drilled hole of the second panel. A torque can then beapplied to seat the pressure lock 606 up against the second paneleffective to fasten the first and second panels together.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener as a fastenerassembly, the receptacle 604 is not threaded, allowing insertion of thescrew 602 through the first end 610 the receptacle 604 to the second end612 of the receptacle, engaging the pressure lock 606. The pressure lock606 then holds the screw 602 in the receptacle 604 such that thepressure lock retention fastener is a ready-to-use assembly. Thepressure lock 606 has the flanges 608 that are indented, and appear asan inverted “L-shape”, with indented extensions 614. These indentedextensions 614 (also referred to herein as the “fingers” or “fingerextensions”) have a shape that provides the pressure lock will remain inplace in the receptacle in the non-deployed assembly state, as shown inFIG. 6.

In implementations, multiple pressure lock retention fasteners 600 canbe used to build floor panels, such as in an aircraft, with a robot thathas an automated belt feed system, where the robot can grasp aready-to-use assembly of a pressure lock retention fastener in a tool.The robot can grasp the receptacle 604 of the assembly, use an automaticgluing mechanism to spin the whole fastener around once and apply glueto it, such as on the external, outer diameter of the receptacle. Therobot can then place the fastener assembly into a prepared, pre-drilledor pre-stamped hole in a floor panel with a structural beam underneaththe floor panel. The floor panel and the structural beam are pre-drilledor pre-stamped with holes that are ready to have an assembly of thepressure lock retention fastener 600 installed, and the fastenerassembly can be placed in the pre-drilled holes and seated with theprescribed amount of glue applied to the receptacle 604 of the fastener.

As described in more detail below, and with reference to the feature ofpressure in deployment, the fastener assembly is delivered for use withthe pressure lock 606 held in position in the bottom of the receptacle604, which also secures the screw loosely in-place in the fastenerassembly. These can be pre-assembled by an automated system that clipsthose two pieces together and inserts the screw. This is a pressuredriven fastener assembly, where pressure drives the receptacle 604 downto a preset depth when installed, and then pressure on the screw 602deploys the pressure lock 606 from the detent position in the receptacle604 into an actuation position. Then torque drives it to the finalsecured fastening position. Generally, use of the fastener assembly is athree-step engagement type process applying pressure and torque topre-assemble the pressure lock retention fastener. Installation can beautomated for robotic concurrent single side installation, withconcurrent meaning installing the glue joints, fastener assembly, andfinal installation all together, as in glue, plus fastener, plus finaltorque. Notably, the glue feature is optional, but can be used toprovide extra strength and customizability for sheer loads and variouscustomer requirements.

FIG. 7 illustrates detail views 700 of the pressure lock retentionfastener 600 in accordance with aspects and features of the fastenerassembly. In the example detail views 700, a cross section A-A of thepressure lock retention fastener 600 is shown at 702, a cross sectionB-B of the receptacle 604 is shown at 704, and the pressure lock 606 isshown in more detail at 706. As noted above, the receptacle 604 is notthreaded, and a void space 708 through the center of the receptacle 604is shown in the cross section B-B of the receptacle at 704. As describedabove, the screw 602 is inserted into the receptacle 604 and thepressure lock 606 is threaded and designed to engage the screw. Thepressure lock 606 then holds the screw 602 in the receptacle 604 suchthat the pressure lock retention fastener is a ready-to-use assembly.

The pressure lock 606 has the flanges 608 that each exert a pressureagainst an interior surface of the receptacle 604 effective to hold thepressure lock 606 and the screw 602 in the receptacle. Inimplementations, the flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 engage a firstdetent 710 in the second end 612 of the receptacle 604 and exert apressure against the interior surface of the first detent in thereceptacle. Similarly, the flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 includethe indented extensions 614 that engage a second detent 712 in thesecond end 612 of the receptacle 604 and exert the pressure against theinterior surface of the second detent in the receptacle. As illustrated,the flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 are spring loaded, and designedwith a bend out and heat treated to a certain state, such that theflanges 608 and the indented extensions 614 can be compressed inward andlocked into the detents in the receptacle 604.

Generally, the indented extensions 614 of the flanges 608 on thepressure lock 606 expand and provide outward pressure to hold it inplace and secure the pressure lock. Notably, the pressure lock 606 isnot an expanding nut for deployment. Rather, the pressure lock 606 is astraight cut type of nut having the extended flanges 608 that are drawninto place and secured with a torque requirement. The pressure lockretention fastener 600 has the aspects of retention via pressure fordeployment of the pressure lock, and the pressure lock retentionfastener can be deployed as an assembly unit in a robotic or automatedprocess as a fastener assembly for a true top-down fastener solution.

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembly sequence 800 of the pressure lockretention fastener 600 as would be utilized to fasten together two panelstructures in accordance with techniques for using the fastenerassembly. As shown at 802, the pressure lock retention fastener 600 isplaced in a pre-drilled or pre-stamped fastener hole 804 in a firstpanel 806, with the receptacle 604 being sized and of a diameter forinsertion into the fastener hole 804 through the first panel. A secondpanel 808 also has a pre-drilled or pre-stamped hole 810 that alignswith the fastener hole 804 in the first panel 806, and the aligned hole810 in the second panel 808 accommodates the pressure lock 606 of thefastener assembly.

As shown in this example, the first panel 806 may be a floor panel, orany other type of panel or structure. Notably, the floor panels of mostmodern aircraft are a honeycomb and aluminum composite, as shown in theexample illustration. The second panel 808 is a base piece, such as afloor structure or rail, to which the top floor panel is attached. Ingeneral terms, the pressure lock retention fastener 600 is designed tofasten, attach, or adhere a panel to a structure, a support structure, arail, another panel, and the like. The pressure lock retention fastener600 can be installed vertical, horizontal, upside down, etc. It is avery versatile fastener assembly, and can likely be used in everyindustry, including automotive, aerospace, construction, manufacturing,etc.

As next shown at 812 in the assembly sequence to fasten together thefirst panel 806 and the second panel 808, the pressure lock retentionfastener 600 can be dropped in the pre-drilled hole 804 and the pressurelock 606 is still in the non-deployed state with the screw sitting upoff of the panel joint. The receptacle 604 is sized and has a diameterdesigned for insertion into the pre-drilled hole 804 through the firstpanel 806, and the receptacle 604 sets flush with the top of the firstpanel, as shown at 814. At this point, the pressure lock 606 of thefastener assembly is ready to be deployed while still being held inplace in the receptacle 604, and the screw 602 is not yet seated in thereceptacle, with the pressure lock being held threaded onto the bottomof the screw. This is also shown in the larger detail view 816. Thepressure lock 606 is still held in place in the receptacle 604 by theflanges 608 and the indented extensions 614 of the flanges, as indicatedat 818.

As next shown at 820 in the assembly sequence, a screwdriver tip can beused to apply pressure 822 and rotate the screw 602, as may be automatedby use of a robot. The applied pressure 822 will unseat the pressurelock 606 and set the top of the screw 602 down flush with the top of thereceptacle, as shown at 824. This is also shown in the larger detailview 826, where the flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 un-detent fromthe receptacle 604, and the pressure lock 606 is extended down throughthe pre-drilled, aligned hole 810 in the second panel 808. This is alsoshown in a larger view 900 in FIG. 9, which illustrates features of theexample pressure lock retention fastener 600 utilized to fasten togetherthe two panel structures in accordance with the techniques for using thefastener.

The pressure 822 applied to the top of the screw 602 pushes the screwfurther into the receptacle 604 to unseat the pressure lock 606 from theinterior surface of the receptacle, extending a portion of the pressurelock through the pre-drilled, aligned hole 810 of the second panel 808.The flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 pop-out through the bottom ofthe aligned hole 810 in the second panel 808, and the pressure lockcomes to rest on the indented extensions 614, as shown at 902 (on bothsides of the illustration). The indented extensions 614 exert pressureagainst the interior surface of the pre-drilled hole 810 in the secondpanel 808 effective to hold the pressure lock 606 in place against thesecond panel.

Further, the portion of the indented extensions 614 that remain in thepre-drilled hole 810 function as an anti-rotation feature of thefastener assembly. This allows the screw 602 to begin driving in whilethe indented extensions 614 of the flanges 608 on the pressure lock 606hold the pressure lock from spinning, and an applied torque draws thepressure lock vertically back up to seat the pressure lock against thesecond panel 808. Even though the top of the screw 602 is flush at thetop of the first panel 806, the screw rotation continues to activate thepressure lock 606 to pull it up from the bottom and tight against thestructure of the lower, second panel 808. With the application of torqueas described below, a torque seating moment is established.

As next shown in the assembly sequence at 828 in FIG. 8, a screwdrivercan continue to be used (e.g., as may be automated by use of a robot) torotate the screw 602 in the receptacle 604 and torque the pressure lock606 up against the second panel 808, as shown at 830. This is also shownin the larger detail view 832, where the screw 602 is rotated to drawthe pressure lock 606 back and up tight against the structure of thebottom, second panel 808, as shown at 834. This is also shown in alarger view 904 in FIG. 9, which illustrates features of the pressurelock 606 of the example fastener assembly. Notably, the flanges 608 ofthe pressure lock 606 each include a detent surface 906 that is designedto contact the exterior surface 908 of the second panel 808 around thepre-drilled hole 810 with the pressure lock 606 torqued up against thesecond panel, as shown at 910 (on both sides of the illustration). Thecomplete installation of the fastener assembly as described herein canall be automated to happen in approximately ten seconds or less, and thepressure lock 606 of the fastener assembly will remain in the positionas shown in the larger view 904 in FIG. 9.

Further, the indented extensions 614 of the flanges 608 of the pressurelock 606 are under a pressure load (or spring load) at the attachmentjoint, and the pressure exerted by the indented extensions 614 of theflanges 608 pressing out against the interior surface of the pre-drilledhole 810 will hold the pressure lock 606 in place on the bottom side ofthe second panel 808, even though the screw might be backed out andremoved. The indented extensions 614 of the flanges 608 hold thepressure lock 606 in place against the second panel 808 when the screw602 is removed from the receptacle 604 and fastener assembly.

As noted in the description above, the flanges 608 transition from thereceptacle 604 into the pre-drilled hole 810 in the second panel 808(e.g., or other structural element) and the indented extensions 614 ofthe flanges 608 remain engaged in the pre-drilled hole 810 as a form ofsecondary retention of the pressure lock 606 to the structural element.The receptacle 604 remains in the pre-drilled hole 804 in the firstpanel 806, and the pressure lock 606 will remain expanded in and underthe pre-drilled hole 810 in the second panel 808, while the screw 602can be removed and reinstalled back through the first panel (e.g.,through the receptacle 604) into the structure underneath, back into thepressure lock 606, and driven back down to re-torque the fastenerassembly. This is a reusable fastener assembly, but after x-number ofuses (e.g., approximately five uses in some applications), a tool may beused to pop the pressure lock 606 down and out of the pre-drilled hole810 in the second panel 808, and easily replaced with a whole newfastener assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener 600.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example assembly of a pressure lockretention fastener 1000 in accordance with aspects and features of thefastener assembly. The pressure lock retention fastener 1000 can bepre-assembled and shipped for use as a ready-to-use assembly thatincludes a screw 1002 and a receptacle 1004, as well as a pressure lock1006 (also referred to herein as the “pressure lock nut”) with flanges1008 that are pressure loaded (e.g., spring loaded). In this example,the flanges 1008 are spaced at multiple locations around the pressurelock 1006, and are designed to expand in a deployed assembly state ofthe fastener. The pressure lock 1006 is held in place against a bevelededge 1010 of the receptacle 1004 by the screw 1002. The pressure lock1006 and the receptacle 1004 are seated together and ready forinstallation in the ready-to-use assembly state of the fastenerassembly, as shown in FIG. 10.

In implementations, the assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener1000 includes the receptacle 1004, and the screw 1002 is insertedthrough a top end 1012 of the receptacle 1004. The fastener assemblyalso includes the pressure lock 1006, which is threaded and designed toengage the screw at a bottom end 1014 of the pressure lock 1006. Thereceptacle 1004 has the beveled edge 1010 that exerts an outward forceagainst the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 when the screw 1002is torqued down. The flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 expandoutward as screw rotation turns the screw 1002, thus drawing the flanges1008 up against the beveled edge 1010, which forces the flanges out. Thepressure lock 1006 also includes lock tabs 1016 that engage respectivelock-tab slots 1018 in the receptacle 1004 effective to prevent thereceptacle 1004 and the pressure lock 1006 from turning independently ofeach other, such as when the screw 1002 is torqued down.

Similar to the assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener 600 asshown and described with reference to FIG. 6, the assembly of thepressure lock retention fastener 1000 is installable into pre-drilled orpre-stamped holes through first and second panels to be fastenedtogether, as further shown and described with reference to FIG. 8. Thepressure lock 1006 of the fastener assembly can be extended through thepre-drilled, aligned hole of the second panel. A torque can then beapplied to seat the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 up againstthe exterior surface of the second panel effective to fasten the firstand second panels together.

In aspects of the pressure lock retention fastener 1000 as an assembly,the receptacle 1004 is not threaded, allowing insertion of the screw1002 into the top end 1012 of the receptacle 1004 and through to thebottom end 1014 of the pressure lock 1006, and the screw 1002 engagesthe pressure lock. The pressure lock 1006 then holds the screw 1002 inthe receptacle 1004 such that the pressure lock retention fastener is aready-to-use assembly. Notably, the pressure lock 1006 is not anexpanding nut, but rather, is a straight cut type of nut having theflanges 1008 that are drawn into place and secured against a panel witha torque requirement. The pressure lock retention fastener 1000 has theaspects of retention via pressure for deployment of the pressure lock,and the pressure lock retention fastener can be deployed as an assemblyunit in a robotic or automated process as a fastener assembly for a truetop-down fastener solution.

In implementations, multiple pressure lock retention fasteners 1000 canbe used to build floor panels, such as in an aircraft, with a robot thathas an automated belt feed system, where the robot can grasp aready-to-use assembly of a pressure lock retention fastener in a tool.The robot can grasp the receptacle 1004 of the assembly, use anautomatic gluing mechanism to spin the whole fastener around once andapply glue to it, such as on the external, outer diameter of thereceptacle. The robot can then place the fastener assembly into aprepared, pre-drilled hole in a floor panel with a structural beamunderneath the floor panel. The floor panel and the structural beam arepre-drilled or pre-stamped with holes that are ready to have an assemblyof the pressure lock retention fastener 1000 installed, and the fastenerassembly can be placed in the pre-drilled hole and seated with theprescribed amount of glue applied to the receptacle 1004 of thefastener.

As described in more detail below, and with reference to the feature ofpressure in deployment, the fastener assembly is delivered for use withthe pressure lock 1006 held in position with the receptacle 1004, whichalso secures the screw 1002 loosely in-place in the fastener assembly.These can be pre-assembled by an automated system that aligns the twopieces together and inserts the screw. Installation can be automated forrobotic concurrent single side installation, with concurrent meaninginstalling the glue joints, fastener assembly, and final installationall together, as in glue, plus fastener, plus final torque. Notably, theglue feature is optional, but can be used to provide extra strength andcustomizability for sheer loads and various customer requirements.

FIG. 11 illustrates features 1100 of the example pressure lock retentionfastener 1000 utilized to fasten together two panel structures inaccordance with the techniques for using the fastener. The assembly ofthe pressure lock retention fastener 1000 can be placed in thepre-drilled or pre-stamped fastener hole 804 in the first panel 806,with the receptacle 1004 being sized with a diameter for insertion intothe pre-drilled, fastener hole through the first panel. The second panel808 also has a pre-drilled or pre-stamped hole 810 that aligns with thefastener hole 804 in the first panel 806, and the aligned hole 810 inthe second panel 808 accommodates the pressure lock 1006 of the fastenerassembly. The receptacle 1004 is sized with a diameter designed forinsertion into the fastener hole 804 through the first panel 806, andthe receptacle 1004 sets flush with the top of the first panel.

As described above and shown in this example, the first panel 806 may bea floor panel, or any other type of panel or structure. Notably, thefloor panels of most modern aircraft are a honeycomb and aluminumcomposite, as shown in the example illustration. The second panel 808 isa base piece, such as a floor structure or rail, to which the top floorpanel is attached. In general terms, the pressure lock retentionfastener 1000 is designed to fasten, attach, or adhere a panel to astructure, a support structure, a rail, another panel, and the like. Thepressure lock retention fastener 1000 can be installed vertical,horizontal, upside down, etc. It is a very versatile fastener assembly,and can likely be used in every industry, including automotive,aerospace, construction, manufacturing, etc.

In an assembly sequence, a screwdriver tip can be used to rotate thescrew 1002, as may be automated by use of a robot, and the top of thescrew 1002 will set down flush with the top of the receptacle 1004. Thepressure lock 1006 is extended down through the pre-drilled aligned hole810 in the second panel 808, and the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock1006 push through the bottom of the aligned hole 810 in the second panel808, as shown at 1102 (on both sides of the illustration). Thereceptacle 1004 has the beveled edge 1010 that exerts an outward forceagainst the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 when the screw 1002is torqued down. The flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 expandoutward as the screw 1002 turns drawing the flanges 1008 up against thebeveled edge 1010, which forces the flanges out.

As shown in the assembly sequence at 1104, the screw 1002 can continueto be driven in, and an applied torque draws the pressure lock 1006vertically back up to seat the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock againstthe exterior surface 1106 of the second panel 808 (as shown at 1108).Even though the top of the screw 1002 is flush at the top of the firstpanel 806, the screw rotation continues to activate the pressure lock1006 to pull it up from the bottom and tighten against the structure ofthe lower, second panel 808. The flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006each contact the exterior surface 1106 of the second panel 808 aroundthe pre-drilled hole 810 with the pressure lock 1006 torqued up againstthe second panel, and the pressure lock 1006 of the fastener assemblywill remain in the fastened position.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 1200 for a pressure lock retentionfastener as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6-9. The orderin which the method is described is not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number or combination of the method operations canbe combined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At 1202, a screw is inserted through a first end of a receptacle of apressure lock retention fastener, and at 1204, the screw is engaged at asecond end of the receptacle with a pressure lock that is threaded toengage the screw. For example, the assembly of the pressure lockretention fastener 600 includes the receptacle 604, and includes thescrew 602 inserted through the first end 610 of the receptacle 604. Thefastener assembly also includes the pressure lock 606, which is threadedand designed to engage the screw at the second end 612 of the receptacle604. In implementations of the fastener assembly, the receptacle 604 isnot threaded, allowing insertion of the screw 602 through the first end610 the receptacle 604 to the second end 612 of the receptacle, engagingthe pressure lock 606. The pressure lock 606 then holds the screw 602 inthe receptacle 604 such that the pressure lock retention fastener is aready-to-use assembly. The pressure lock retention fastener 600 isdesigned for installation as an assembly into pre-drilled or pre-stampedfastener holes through panels to be fastened together.

At 1206, a pressure is exerted against an interior surface of thereceptacle with flanges of the pressure lock effective to hold thepressure lock and the screw in the receptacle. For example, the flanges608 of the pressure lock 606 each exert a pressure against an interiorsurface of the receptacle 604 effective to hold the pressure lock 606and the screw 602 in the receptacle. In implementations, the flanges 608of the pressure lock 606 engage the first detent 710 in the second end612 of the receptacle 604 and exert a pressure against the interiorsurface of the first detent in the receptacle. Similarly, the flanges608 of the pressure lock 606 include the indented extensions 614 thatengage the second detent 712 in the second end 612 of the receptacle 604and exert the pressure against the interior surface of the second detentin the receptacle. As illustrated, the flanges 608 of the pressure lock606 are spring loaded, and designed with a bend out and heat treated toa certain state, such that the flanges 608 and the indented extensions614 can be compressed inward and locked into the detents in thereceptacle 604.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example method 1300 for a pressure lock retentionfastener as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Theorder in which the method is described is not intended to be construedas a limitation, and any number or combination of the method operationscan be combined in any order to implement a method, or an alternatemethod.

At 1302, a screw is inserted through a first end of a receptacle of apressure lock retention fastener, and at 1304, the screw is engaged at asecond end of the receptacle with a pressure lock that is threaded toengage the screw. For example, the pressure lock retention fastener 1000includes the receptacle 1004, and includes the screw 1002 insertedthrough the top end 1012 of the receptacle 1004. The fastener assemblyalso includes the pressure lock 1006, which is threaded and designed toengage the screw at the bottom end 1014 of the pressure lock 1006. Inimplementations of the fastener assembly, the receptacle 1004 is notthreaded, allowing insertion of the screw 1002 through the receptacle1004 and engaging the pressure lock 1006. The pressure lock 1006 thenholds the screw 1002 in the receptacle 1004 such that the pressure lockretention fastener is a ready-to-use assembly. The pressure lockretention fastener 1000 is designed for installation as an assembly intopre-drilled or pre-stamped fastener holes through panels to be fastenedtogether.

At 1306, a pressure is exerted against a beveled edge of the receptaclethat exerts an outward force against the flanges of the pressure lockeffective to hold the pressure lock against the receptacle. For example,the beveled edge 1010 of the receptacle 1004 exerts an outward forceagainst the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 effective to hold thepressure lock 1006 against the receptacle 1004 with the screw 1002installed in the receptacle. As illustrated, the flanges 1008 of thepressure lock 1006 are spring loaded, and designed with a bend out andheat treated to a certain state, such that the flanges 1008 can bepressure loaded to expand outward.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example method 1400 for a pressure lock retentionfastener as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6-11. The orderin which the method is described is not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number or combination of the method operations canbe combined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At 1402, an assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener isinstalled into a pre-drilled hole through first and second panels to befastened together. For example, the pressure lock retention fastener 600is shown at 802 being placed in the pre-drilled hole 804 in the firstpanel 806, with the receptacle 604 being of a diameter for insertioninto the pre-drilled hole through the first panel. The second panel 808also has the pre-drilled hole 810 that aligns with the pre-drilled hole804 in the first panel 806, and the pre-drilled hole 810 in the secondpanel 808 accommodates the pressure lock 606 of the fastener assembly.Similarly, the assembly of the pressure lock retention fastener 1000 canbe placed in the pre-drilled hole 804 in the first panel 806, with thereceptacle 1004 being of a diameter for insertion into the pre-drilledhole through the first panel. The second panel 808 also has thepre-drilled hole 810 that aligns with the pre-drilled hole 804 in thefirst panel 806, and the pre-drilled hole 810 in the second panel 808accommodates the pressure lock 1006 of the fastener assembly.

At 1404, the pressure lock is unseated from the interior surface of thereceptacle effective to extend a portion of the pressure lock throughthe pre-drilled hole of the second panel. For example, the pressure 822is applied on the screw 602 as shown at 820 to push the screw furtherinto the receptacle, which will unseat the pressure lock 606 from theinterior surface of the receptacle 604 and set the top of the screw 602down flush with the top of the receptacle, as shown at 824. The flanges608 of the pressure lock 606 un-detent from the receptacle 604, and thepressure lock 606 is extended down through the pre-drilled hole 810 inthe second panel 808. Similarly, the screw 1002 can be rotated, and thetop of the screw 1002 will set down flush with the top of the receptacle1004. The pressure lock 1006 is extended down through the pre-drilledhole 810 in the second panel 808, and the flanges 1008 of the pressurelock 1006 push through the bottom of the pre-drilled hole 810 in thesecond panel 808.

At 1406, pressure is exerted against an interior surface of thepre-drilled hole in the second panel with the indented extensions of theflanges of the pressure lock, the indented extensions of the flangeseffective to hold the pressure lock in place against the second panel.For example, the flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 pop-out throughthe bottom of the pre-drilled hole 810 in the second panel 808, and thepressure lock comes to rest on the indented extensions 614, as shown at902 (on both sides of the illustration). The indented extensions 614exert pressure against the interior surface of the pre-drilled hole 810in the second panel 808 effective to hold the pressure lock 606 in placeagainst the second panel.

At 1408, torque is applied to seat the pressure lock up against thesecond panel effective to fasten the first and second panels together,and at 1410, an exterior surface of the second panel is contacted aroundthe pre-drilled hole with the pressure lock torqued up against thesecond panel, the flanges of the pressure lock each including a detentsurface that contacts the exterior surface of the second panel. Forexample, the screw 602 is rotated in the receptacle 604 to apply torqueand draw the pressure lock 606 up against the second panel 808, as shownat 830. The screw 602 is rotated to draw the pressure lock 606 back andup tight against the structure of the bottom, second panel 808, as shownat 834. The flanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 each include a detentsurface 906 that is designed to contact the exterior surface 908 of thesecond panel 808 around the pre-drilled hole 810 with the pressure lock606 torqued up against the second panel, as shown at 910 (on both sidesof the illustration).

Similarly, the receptacle 1004 of the pressure lock retention fastener1000 has the beveled edge 1010 that exerts an outward force against theflanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 when the screw 1002 is torqueddown. The flanges 1008 of the pressure lock 1006 expand outward as thescrew 1002 turns drawing the flanges 1008 up against the beveled edge1010, which forces the flanges out. The screw 1002 can continue to bedriven in, and an applied torque draws the pressure lock 1006 verticallyback up to seat the flanges 1008 of the pressure lock against thebottom, exterior surface 908 of the second panel 808.

At 1412, the pressure lock is held in place against the second panelwith the indented extensions of the flanges when the screw is removedfrom the receptacle. For example, the indented extensions 614 of theflanges 608 of the pressure lock 606 are under a pressure load (orspring load) at the attachment joint, and the pressure exerted by theindented extensions 614 of the flanges 608 pressing out against theinterior surface of the pre-drilled hole 810 will hold the pressure lock606 in place on the bottom side of the second panel 808, even though thescrew might be backed out and removed. The indented extensions 614 ofthe flanges 608 hold the pressure lock 606 in place against the secondpanel 808 when the screw 602 is removed from the receptacle 604 andfastener assembly.

Although implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener have beendescribed in language specific to features and/or methods, the appendedclaims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methodsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed asexample implementations of a pressure lock retention fastener, and otherequivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope ofthe appended claims. Further, various different examples are describedand it is to be appreciated that each described example can beimplemented independently or in connection with one or more otherdescribed examples. Additional aspects of the techniques, features,and/or methods discussed herein relate to one or more of the following:

A fastener system, comprising: a pressure lock retention fastener tofasten panels together, the pressure lock retention fastener including:an insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in a first panel; athreaded collet sized to slide in the insert and having expandableflanges that extend below the insert, the expandable flanges sized forinsertion into an aligned hole in a second panel; and a screwinstallable through the insert to engage internal threads of thethreaded collet, the screw having a smooth pin end configured to exert aforce that pushes the expandable flanges outward as screw rotationdrives the screw into the threaded collet, and ridge locks of theexpandable flanges seating up against the second panel effective tofasten the first and second panels together; and a plate that isinstallable between the first and second panels, the plate including aslotted hole with anti-rotation tabs that engage slots between theexpandable flanges of the threaded collet, the anti-rotation tabs of theslotted hole effective to prevent the pressure lock retention fastenerfrom spinning in the fastener hole of the first panel and in the alignedhole in the second panel.

Alternatively or in addition to the above described fastener system, anyone or combination of: the screw is rotatable to torque the ridge locksof the expandable flanges up to seat against an exterior surface of thesecond panel as the threaded collet is drawn up within the insert by thescrew rotation. The insert includes internal tabs that engage the slotsbetween the expandable flanges of the threaded collet, the internal tabsof the insert effective to prevent the insert and the threaded colletfrom spinning independently of each other. A threaded end of the screwand the threaded collet are concentric, and screw threads engage theinternal threads of the threaded collet without binding the screwthreads in the threaded collet. The expandable flanges include apreventative lock surface effective to prevent false positive lockengagements of the ridge locks. The preventative lock surface of anexpandable flange extends below the ridge lock effective to prevent theridge lock from engaging into a void space between the first and secondpanels.

A pressure lock retention fastener, comprising: an insert sized forinsertion into a fastener hole in a first panel, the insert having aninner void space through the insert and a catch ridge extending inwardinto the inner void space; a threaded collet having an outer diametersized to slide into the inner void space of the insert and held in placeby the catch ridge in the insert, the threaded collet includingexpandable flanges that extend below the insert and the expandableflanges sized for insertion into an aligned hole in a second panel; anda screw installable through the inner void space of the insert and intothe threaded collet, the screw having a threaded end that engagesinternal threads of the threaded collet and the screw having a smoothpin end configured to slide against the expandable flanges exerting aforce that pushes the expandable flanges outward as screw rotationdrives the screw into the threaded collet, the expandable flanges eachhaving a ridge lock that seats up against the second panel effective tofasten the first and second panels together.

Alternatively or in addition to the above described pressure lockretention fastener, any one or combination of: the screw is rotatable totorque the ridge locks of the expandable flanges up to seat against anexterior surface of the second panel as the threaded collet is drawn upwithin the insert by the screw rotation. The insert includes internaltabs that engage slots between the expandable flanges of the threadedcollet, the internal tabs of the insert effective to prevent the insertand the threaded collet from spinning independently of each other. Theexpandable flanges are sized for insertion into a slotted hole in aplate that is installable between the first and second panels, theslotted hole in the plate including anti-rotation tabs that engage theslots between the expandable flanges of the threaded collet, theanti-rotation tabs of the slotted hole effective to prevent the pressurelock retention fastener from spinning in the fastener hole of the firstpanel and in the aligned hole in the second panel. The threaded end ofthe screw and the threaded collet are concentric, and screw threadsengage the internal threads of the threaded collet without binding thescrew threads in the threaded collet. The ridge locks of the expandableflanges seat up against the second panel, and an expandable flangeincludes a preventative lock surface effective to prevent a falsepositive lock engagement of a ridge lock. The preventative lock surfaceof the expandable flange extends below the ridge lock effective toprevent the ridge lock from engaging into a void space between the firstand second panels. The insert includes one or more air release vents tovent air pressure below the first and second panels that are fastenedtogether.

A method for a pressure lock retention fastener, the method comprising:engaging screw threads of a screw by a threaded collet that slideswithin an inner void space of an insert, the screw being installablethrough the inner void space of the insert and into the threaded collet,the insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in a first panel;pushing expandable flanges of the threaded collet outward by a smoothpin end of the screw as screw rotation drives the screw into thethreaded collet, the expandable flanges extending below the insert andsized for insertion through an aligned hole in a second panel; andseating ridge locks of the expandable flanges up against an exteriorsurface of the second panel effective to fasten the first and secondpanels together, the ridge locks being positioned against the exteriorsurface of the second panel by said pushing the expandable flangesoutward and the threaded collet being drawn up within the insert by thescrew rotation.

Alternatively or in addition to the above described method, any one orcombination of: preventing the insert and the threaded collet fromspinning independently of each other by internal tabs on the insert thatengage slots between the expandable flanges of the threaded collet;preventing the pressure lock retention fastener from spinning in thefastener hole of the first panel and in the aligned hole in the secondpanel by a slotted hole in a plate that is installable between the firstand second panels, the slotted hole including anti-rotation tabs thatengage the slots between the expandable flanges of the threaded collet;preventing false positive lock engagements of the ridge locks bypreventative false lock surfaces of the expandable flanges, thepreventative false lock surfaces extending below the ridge lockseffective to prevent a ridge lock from engaging into a void spacebetween the first and second panels; venting air pressure by one or moreair release vents in the insert that vent the air pressure below thefirst and second panels that are fastened together. The screw threadsand the threaded collet are concentric, and the screw threads engageinternal threads of the threaded collet without binding the screwthreads in the threaded collet.

A pressure lock retention fastener, comprising: a receptacle; a screwinserted through a first end of the receptacle; and a pressure lockdesigned to engage the screw at a second end of the receptacle, thepressure lock having flanges each configured to exert a pressure againstan interior surface of the receptacle effective to hold the pressurelock and the screw in the receptacle.

Alternatively or in addition to the above described pressure lockretention fastener, any one or combination of: the receptacle is notthreaded, allowing insertion of the screw through a center of thereceptacle to engage the pressure lock that holds the screw in thereceptacle such that the pressure lock retention fastener is aready-to-use assembly. As the ready-to-use assembly, the flanges of thepressure lock engage a first detent in the second end of the receptacleand exert the pressure against the interior surface of the first detentin the receptacle; and the flanges of the pressure lock include indentedextensions that engage a second detent in the second end of thereceptacle and exert the pressure against the interior surface of thesecond detent in the receptacle. The pressure lock retention fastener isconfigured for installation as an assembly into pre-drilled holesthrough panels to be fastened together; the receptacle is sized forinsertion into a pre-drilled hole through a first panel; the screw isconfigured to push through the receptacle to unseat the pressure lockfrom the interior surface of the receptacle, extending a portion of thepressure lock through a pre-drilled hole of a second panel; and thescrew is rotatable to torque the pressure lock up against the secondpanel. The flanges of the pressure lock each include a detent surfaceconfigured to contact an exterior surface around the pre-drilled hole ofthe second panel with the pressure lock torqued up against an exteriorsurface of the second panel; and the flanges of the pressure lockinclude indented extensions configured to exert pressure against aninterior surface of the pre-drilled hole in the second panel effectiveto hold the pressure lock in place against the second panel.

1. A fastener system, comprising: a pressure lock retention fastener tofasten panels together, the pressure lock retention fastener including:an insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in a first panel; athreaded collet sized to slide in the insert and having expandableflanges that extend below the insert, the expandable flanges sized forinsertion into an aligned hole in a second panel; and a screwinstallable through the insert to engage internal threads of thethreaded collet, the screw configured to exert a force that pushes theexpandable flanges outward as screw rotation drives the screw into thethreaded collet, and ridge locks of the expandable flanges seating upagainst the second panel effective to fasten the first and second panelstogether; and a plate that is installable between the first and secondpanels, the plate including a slotted hole with anti-rotation tabs thatengage slots between the expandable flanges of the threaded collet, theanti-rotation tabs of the slotted hole effective to prevent the pressurelock retention fastener from spinning in the fastener hole of the firstpanel and in the aligned hole in the second panel.
 2. The fastenersystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the screw is rotatable to torquethe ridge locks of the expandable flanges up to seat against an exteriorsurface of the second panel as the threaded collet is drawn up withinthe insert by the screw rotation.
 3. The fastener system as recited inclaim 1, wherein the insert includes internal tabs that engage the slotsbetween the expandable flanges of the threaded collet, the internal tabsof the insert effective to prevent the insert and the threaded colletfrom spinning independently of each other.
 4. The fastener system asrecited in claim 1, wherein screw threads of the screw and the threadedcollet are concentric, and the screw threads engage the internal threadsof the threaded collet without binding the screw threads in the threadedcollet.
 5. The fastener system as recited in claim 1, wherein theexpandable flanges include a preventative lock surface effective toprevent false positive lock engagements of the ridge locks.
 6. Thefastener system as recited in claim 5, wherein the preventative locksurface of an expandable flange extends below the ridge lock effectiveto prevent the ridge lock from engaging into a void space between thefirst and second panels.
 7. A pressure lock retention fastener,comprising: an insert sized for insertion into a fastener hole in afirst panel, the insert having an inner void space through the insert; athreaded collet having an outer diameter sized to slide into the innervoid space of the insert, the threaded collet including expandableflanges that extend below the insert and the expandable flanges sizedfor insertion into an aligned hole in a second panel; and a screwinstallable through the inner void space of the insert and into thethreaded collet, the screw having screw threads that engage internalthreads of the threaded collet and the screw configured to slide againstthe expandable flanges exerting a force that pushes the expandableflanges outward as screw rotation drives the screw into the threadedcollet, the expandable flanges each having a ridge lock that seats upagainst the second panel effective to fasten the first and second panelstogether.
 8. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 7,wherein the screw is rotatable to torque the ridge locks of theexpandable flanges up to seat against an exterior surface of the secondpanel as the threaded collet is drawn up within the insert by the screwrotation.
 9. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 7,wherein the insert includes internal tabs that engage slots between theexpandable flanges of the threaded collet, the internal tabs of theinsert effective to prevent the insert and the threaded collet fromspinning independently of each other.
 10. The pressure lock retentionfastener as recited in claim 7, wherein the expandable flanges are sizedfor insertion into a slotted hole in a plate that is installable betweenthe first and second panels, the slotted hole in the plate includinganti-rotation tabs that engage slots between the expandable flanges ofthe threaded collet, the anti-rotation tabs of the slotted holeeffective to prevent the pressure lock retention fastener from spinningin the fastener hole of the first panel and in the aligned hole in thesecond panel.
 11. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited inclaim 7, wherein the screw threads of the screw and the threaded colletare concentric, and the screw threads engage the internal threads of thethreaded collet without binding the screw threads in the threadedcollet.
 12. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 7,wherein the ridge locks of the expandable flanges seat up against thesecond panel, and an expandable flange includes a preventative locksurface effective to prevent a false positive lock engagement of a ridgelock.
 13. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 12,wherein the preventative lock surface of the expandable flange extendsbelow the ridge lock effective to prevent the ridge lock from engaginginto a void space between the first and second panels.
 14. The pressurelock retention fastener as recited in claim 7, wherein the insertincludes one or more air release vents to vent air pressure below thefirst and second panels that are fastened together.
 15. A method for apressure lock retention fastener, the method comprising: engaging screwthreads of a screw by a threaded collet that slides within an inner voidspace of an insert, the screw being installable through the inner voidspace of the insert and into the threaded collet, the insert sized forinsertion into a fastener hole in a first panel; pushing expandableflanges of the threaded collet outward by the screw as screw rotationdrives the screw into the threaded collet, the expandable flangesextending below the insert and sized for insertion through an alignedhole in a second panel; and seating ridge locks of the expandableflanges up against an exterior surface of the second panel effective tofasten the first and second panels together, the ridge locks beingpositioned against the exterior surface of the second panel by saidpushing the expandable flanges outward and the threaded collet beingdrawn up within the insert by the screw rotation.
 16. The method asrecited in claim 15, further comprising: preventing the insert and thethreaded collet from spinning independently of each other by internaltabs on the insert that engage slots between the expandable flanges ofthe threaded collet.
 17. The method as recited in claim 15, furthercomprising: preventing the pressure lock retention fastener fromspinning in the fastener hole of the first panel and in the aligned holein the second panel by a slotted hole in a plate that is installablebetween the first and second panels, the slotted hole includinganti-rotation tabs that engage slots between the expandable flanges ofthe threaded collet.
 18. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein thescrew threads of the screw and the threaded collet are concentric, andthe screw threads engage internal threads of the threaded collet withoutbinding the screw threads in the threaded collet.
 19. The method asrecited in claim 15, further comprising: preventing false positive lockengagements of the ridge locks by preventative false lock surfaces ofthe expandable flanges, the preventative false lock surfaces extendingbelow the ridge locks effective to prevent a ridge lock from engaginginto a void space between the first and second panels.
 20. The method asrecited in claim 15, further comprising: venting air pressure by one ormore air release vents in the insert that vent the air pressure belowthe first and second panels that are fastened together.
 21. A pressurelock retention fastener, comprising: a receptacle; a screw insertedthrough a first end of the receptacle; and a pressure lock designed toengage the screw at a second end of the receptacle, the pressure lockhaving flanges each configured to exert a pressure against an interiorsurface of the receptacle effective to hold the pressure lock and thescrew in the receptacle.
 22. The pressure lock retention fastener asrecited in claim 21, wherein the receptacle is not threaded, allowinginsertion of the screw through a center of the receptacle to engage thepressure lock that holds the screw in the receptacle such that thepressure lock retention fastener is a ready-to-use assembly.
 23. Thepressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 22, wherein as theready-to-use assembly: the flanges of the pressure lock engage a firstdetent in the second end of the receptacle and exert the pressureagainst the interior surface of the first detent in the receptacle; andthe flanges of the pressure lock include indented extensions that engagea second detent in the second end of the receptacle and exert thepressure against the interior surface of the second detent in thereceptacle.
 24. The pressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim21, wherein: the pressure lock retention fastener is configured forinstallation as an assembly into pre-drilled holes through panels to befastened together; the receptacle is sized for insertion into apre-drilled hole through a first panel; the screw is configured to pushthrough the receptacle to unseat the pressure lock from the interiorsurface of the receptacle, extending a portion of the pressure lockthrough a pre-drilled hole of a second panel; and the screw is rotatableto torque the pressure lock up against the second panel.
 25. Thepressure lock retention fastener as recited in claim 24, wherein: theflanges of the pressure lock each include a detent surface configured tocontact an exterior surface around the pre-drilled hole of the secondpanel with the pressure lock torqued up against an exterior surface ofthe second panel; and the flanges of the pressure lock include indentedextensions configured to exert pressure against an interior surface ofthe pre-drilled hole in the second panel effective to hold the pressurelock in place against the second panel.